# Good questions, before you begin. > How do you choose between automation, AI and custom software? What does an audit cover? Answers for SMEs considering a technology engagement with Bump. Canonical: https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/faq First published: 2026-10-26 Last updated: 2026-10-27 A clearer starting point and a better idea of what to expect. ## At a glance A first conversation with Bump starts with a concrete need: a process to simplify, tools to connect, software to build or a risk to examine. Analysis helps select a suitable response. Scope, budget, deliverables and maintenance are specified in the proposal. ## A tailored engagement, rather than a universal package. These answers provide a general framework. Specific terms depend on your systems, access, data and approvals. Our service pages describe each area and the points to consider. | Before a first conversation | What to prepare | | --- | --- | | The need | An example of a task or difficulty to improve. | | The tools | The software involved and connections you need. | | The people | Who uses the process and who approves decisions. | | The desired outcome | What would make the improvement useful. | | Sensitive information | Keep passwords, client records and confidential reports out of a public form. | ## Frequently asked questions ### What services does Bump offer SMEs? Bump offers process analysis and optimization, automation, software and API integration, custom development, AI integration and cybersecurity. These services are organized into three complementary divisions. ### How do we choose between automation and AI integration? Conventional automation often suits explicit, repetitive rules. AI may help when a task involves text, information retrieval or a recommendation to assess. They can be combined with defined approvals and boundaries. ### When does custom software make sense? When existing tools poorly cover an important operational requirement and a simple integration is insufficient. The decision compares needs, costs, dependencies and maintenance. An existing product may be a better option in other cases. ### Do we need to replace our current tools? Not necessarily. Bump assesses ways to retain and connect useful software. APIs, connectors, permissions and provider conditions determine the available options. ### How does an engagement work? The model is audit, analysis, proposal, implementation and maintenance. These stages establish the current situation, prioritize needs, specify work and organize implementation and follow-up. ### What budget should we plan for a project? Cost depends on scope, integrations, data complexity, exceptions and expected follow-up. Bump prepares a tailored proposal. The site does not publish a universal price or guaranteed return. ### What timeline should we expect? The schedule depends on scope, access availability, decisions and testing. A meaningful timeline is established after analysis. A limited initial scope can help evaluate a solution before expansion. ### What does an authorized cybersecurity audit mean? Systems, methods, exclusions and intervention conditions are agreed with a person authorized to approve the assessment. The audit remains limited to that scope; it is not general permission to test other systems. ### Can AI use confidential information? Any use of data requires reviewing access rights, provider conditions and business constraints. Scoping determines which sources and actions are authorized. Do not submit secrets through a public form. ### Can human approval be retained? Yes. A workflow or agent can prepare an action and wait for approval before execution. Roles, presented context and the handling of rejection need to be specified. ### Are Cyber AI, Developer AI and Workflow AI available? No. They belong to Bump’s future vision. Current services cover consulting, integration, development and cybersecurity within a defined engagement. ### What should we prepare before discussing a project? A description of the problem, tools involved, people affected and desired outcome. You do not need to have selected a technology. Keep credentials, confidential data and sensitive reports out of a public form. ## About the publisher [Bump](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/about#editorial-policy) — Bump is a technology consulting company founded by two entrepreneurs in Montréal. Its services connect workflow optimization, AI and software development, and cybersecurity for SMEs. Technology consultant for SMEs · Montréal, Québec ## What changed - Added a checklist for preparing a first conversation. - Clarified useful information and what should not be shared. ## Contact [contact@bumpconsultation.ca](mailto:contact@bumpconsultation.ca) ## Related - [Workflow automation for small businesses.](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/services/workflow-automation) — Analyse processes, automate repetitive tasks and connect business software with Bump in Montréal. Workflows designed around your SME’s operations. - [AI integration for your business.](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/services/ai-integration) — Integrate AI into business tools and processes with Bump: focused agents, document search, summaries and dashboards, with human approval. - [Software built around your operations.](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/services/custom-software-development) — Web applications, portals and internal systems for Québec SMEs. Bump builds custom software connected to your CRM, ERP and APIs. - [Cybersecurity, with a clear framework.](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/services/cybersecurity) — Authorized audits, vulnerability identification, remediation and system hardening. Bump supports SMEs in Montréal and Québec. - [Understand before you build.](https://bumpconsultation.ca/en/approach) — Explore the five stages of a Bump engagement: audit, analysis, proposal, implementation and maintenance. Technology consulting designed for SMEs.